Kenneth Huttema

Kenneth Eugene Huttema, age 92, of Grand Rapids, Michigan, passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 6, 2024, in his daughter Pam’s home, where he had lived for the past three years. He was born July 26, 1931, in Grand Rapids to the late Thomas and Dena (Bos) Huttema. He married the love of his life, Ardith Mae VanderBreggen on Sept. 3, 1953. They celebrated 50 years of marriage just months prior to Ardith’s passing on February 17, 2004. They lovingly raised six children on the west side of Grand Rapids. Their oldest son, Tom, passed away in 2011. Surviving family are their children, Kathy Hessel, Mike Huttema, Pamela (Stonehouse) Chapman (David), Nancy Slosser, and Todd Huttema (Rebecca); 17 grandchildren and 42 great-grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as ‘Old Gramps'; sister-in-law, Nancy McDonald; brothers-in-law, Fred (Kathy) and Ken (Amy) VanderBreggen; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ardith; his son, Tom; sons-in-law, Frank Hessel and Rick Stonehouse; his parents, Thomas and Dena Huttema; in-laws, Henry and Elsie VanderBreggen; sister Ann (Robert) Lemmen; and brother-in-law, Ed McDonald. Ken worked for most of his career as a bricklayer and cement mason, supporting his family and putting his six children through Christian school. In their 50s Ken and Ardith followed their dream of owning a furniture refinishing and oak furniture business called Your Ancestor’s Antiques. They had two stores, one in Tallmadge General Store, and the other in Kentwood. They loved every minute of this adventure. Ken and Ardith were also avid travelers within the continental U.S., with Colorado being their favorite destination. Fond memories for all the family were the two-week trips they took each summer. Ken and his dog tried to resume camping after Ardith’s passing, but it was not the same. Ken was known for his quick-witted humor and one-liners right up to the end. As an example, just weeks before his passing, he greeted his daughter Pam in the morning saying, “You look so pretty this morning – imagine how handsome I’ll look once I have coffee!” He leaves a legacy of faith for his family. Ken listened daily to beloved hymns which brought him much comfort as he anticipated heaven and meeting his Savior. There will be a memorial visitation for family and friends to greet the family on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 11:00 am until 1:00 pm at Wyoming Harbor Church (formerly Beverly Reformed), 2141 Porter SW, Wyoming 49519, where his grandson, Jordan Stonehouse, is pastor. The family will have a private celebration, eating some of grandpa’s favorite foods and sharing fun memories while reminiscing and celebrating his life. A special thanks to caregiver, Pam Siegersma, who lovingly cared for him and had wonderful visits over the past two years. Per his wishes, his cremated remains will be buried alongside Ardith in Grandville Cemetery. To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Ken’s online guest book, or to share a favorite memory or photo, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Kenneth Huttema, please visit our flower store.